Mustang Headers: Shorty Vs Long Tube - Which Is Best For You?

Are you on the fence about the age-old questions of shorty headers vs long tube headers -- which do you need? Let us help you put some of the myths to bed and help you make an educated decision when it comes to selecting shorty and long tube headers! In this video, Jmac will show you some of the pros and cons of both shorty and long tube header options.
Shop Mustang Headers: latemodelres.to/mustang-headers
Check out our in-depth article on Mustang Shorty vs Longtube Headers below!
latemodelres.to/ShortyVsLongtu...
______________________________________________________
Intro | 0:00
Why Buy Shorty Headers? | 0:15
Long Tube Headers Advantage | 1:54
______________________________________________________
KZbin: latemodelres.to/youtube-subsc...
Facebook: / latemodelresto
Instagram: / latemodelresto
TikTok: / latemodelresto
#LMR #Mustang #Headers
______________________________________________________
Use of this video is subject to the terms as set forth in our LMR Install Video Disclaimer | lmr.com/page/lmr-install-vide...

[@joenlaw]

love how you guys are around to help keep fox bodies alive

[@latemodelrestoration]

We are passionate about Fox Body. That is where we got started 15 years ago. Our 5.0Resto brand is constantly growing so there is no sign of us stopping any time soon :)

[@jermainewilburn1355]

dude al keep ur fox body alive ,,,,let me breed whitt er,,,mannn

[@MM-ob8ti]

I have installed long tube headers in the past and it was a pain in the ass.

[@jeffreyjones8277]

I can put pain in your azz if you think those headers were a problem

[@IbeGcoin]

On the nail with this video, absolutely right. I bought a 01 GT last yr all stock. Bought bbk's long tube headers, and o/r h pipe catless (In Canada), with Slp Lm1's on the back and wow. Just wow. Power difference upper rpm very noticeable, but the sound is devastatingly loud lol I love it. I usually end up with someone following me into the gas station to take video's of it revving up. When you have the truck community looking at you like "wtf", its done right. Mind you I toasted the old clutch and swapped Exedy stage 2 clutch in, 2 months after the exhaust done :( Guess I learned to check the clutch before throwing LT's on your motor.

[@Gerace1010]

LMR is the best site around. As a foxbody owner I just want you to know how much I appreciate the videos and products you put out there.

[@latemodelrestoration]

Shane G Thanks so much. We try hard to bring useful tech and info to fellow Mustang Enthusiasts. Glad to hear people enjoy it!

[@jcprimevil]

Much better explained than the Summit Racing vids

[@latemodelrestoration]

JC Primevil Thanks!!

[@jcprimevil]

I would love to see more vids how building engines. As far as different types of heads, different types of cams, and so on

[@latemodelrestoration]

JC Primevil we will keep that in mind for future videos.

[@bgoteoner4420]

I just bought a 86 mustang gt efi motor stick shift , I'm wondering what should be the best way to upgrade my motor besides a tune up , I have blue pullys , no mass air racing axels , dump mufflers, any suggestions on what I should work on?

[@THUGLIFEhks]

Lol

[@MZBallistic]

I've had them both once i went Long Tube,i never looked back.I was part of a mustang club where everyone had stock or shorties.Everyone raved at the distinct sound that my car made.

[@jamesw576]

MZBallistic I have an 89 GT, so I should go with Long tube headers? Which ones should I buy

[@MZBallistic]

@@jamesw576 I don't know what's available now but in 2002 i used MAC long tubes with off road H pipe.

[@edwinstorz702]

Thank you very much for that information, i was actually looking for the Technical term to the scavanging effect and you just did exactly that, now i know i am right, i love it when i am right, lol............ I love my Buddy's too!!! Thanks again.

[@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V]

Nothing sounds better than bbk longtubes with bbk o/r h pipe and flowmaster super 44s that combination sounds awesome!

[@maurotorres3354]

Smo Key do you a link with tjat set up I can watch? that combo has to soumd great amd its hp and pull very nice.

[@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V]

Yes sir look at the last video I uploaded on my channel

[@ghunt81]

Maybe a Fox body is different but on my 2005 I did long tubes. Same amount of work to install as shorties, but long tubes actually make power plus I can still pull out the starter or drop the transmission with the long tubes in place anyway.

[@jermainewilburn1355]

very good,stright tu the point

[@boxingfan3215]

For the money stick to short headers They are direct fit and don't require exhaust modifications. Long tubes are more for cam and head modifications and boost.

[@MichaelScott-hi4qg]

Boxing Fan short tube headers are better for a turbo charged engine. Long tube more for the N/A builds

[@usdm420]

I currently run 3" piping from the stock manifolds back to the mufflers. So I'm assuming adding a shorty header would be similar to longtubes since I already have the back half piped to 3"?

[@strix2035]

I have a 1991 mustang and want to put long tube headers on, will I have to change other thing to do that it's all stock now. if I do have to change other things what will they be? keep in mind it is 5 speed.

[@TheDustyaman]

Very good vid

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thanks TheDustyaman

[@richardhead7037]

What about the sound difference. Is there a different sound between the 2?

[@Celticman197]

I replaced my long headers with short. I just did'nt want to deal with it. Too much hassell, starter clearance, transmission removal problems, heat problems on starter, pans etc. exhaust modifications. 0-70 you won't see any difference in performance. If your out running 90 plus mph on a regular basis that's a different story.

[@yupyup5270]

I've always had long tube headers on all of my vehicles and I just purchased a mustang with shorty headers on there it's making about 450 horsepower but you can always have more. With that being said when you went from long tubes to Shorty's did you genuinely see a greater impact and performance or do you think I should just keep it how it is and find something else to upgrade since it's already aftermarket

[@Celticman197]

@@yupyup5270 I just run the street, 347 Stroker, with a modest street set up, so I don't really see a difference. I would just keep the short headers. Install a Holley EFI Kit if your Mustang has a carb, you will get better performance than long tubes would make, without all the hassle. They create a lot more heat under the car on oil pans, starters, transmissions. Cars set up for the track wrap them to prevent the heat they give off, but it drastically reduces the life of the headers.

[@jvogler_art4708]

I actually have been looking at videos of different exhaust and header combos for the perfect sound. I actually prefer the shortys for sound. It's smoother and quieter and more daily driver oriented without giving up that high performance sound. That's ultimately what i'm looking for but i understand if all you care about is performance, and you to make as much power as possible. Get a setup that shakes the whole neighborhood when you drive by. Make that V8 FLOW

[@TurmoilRick]

When comparing things.. dont say the wearker of the 2 will give more power i know you were talking about typically stock headers.. but coulld be confusing sir '

[@Smodlee]

Do they make these headers for the 2.3l?

[@Hiazhunter]

I put BBK shorty ceramic on my 06' s197 . Gained a little low end . Kick myself in the a55 for not going long tubes though.

[@betoperez187]

what about equal length shorty headers

[@Reizvoll1988]

would have loved to see some dyno numbers to show what the actual difference in hp would be between the two.

[@NegativeNumbers427]

Typically between 10 to 50hp. Maybe more, maybe less.

[@ApexxPredator1]

What about mid length? With the price of long tubes I’ve been looking at the bassani mid length LMR has. Ultimate goal is to get over 700 with mine.

[@tylerhubbell6410]

Bassani mid lengths are a way better fitment and going that way you definitely want to pair it up with the bassani power x midpipe unless you plan to go custom all the way back.

[@CB-nb4cs]

Do you need to buy different long tube headers according to what transmission you have? I have an AOD in my 93 GT, and i know that the mid pipes are different for an auto, making me wonder if the long tube headers are different as well.

[@Celticman197]

AOD's are even worse for long headers, you can't drop the transmission.

[@StormMartialArt]

Love your site. Bought my Bassani X-Pipe from you. How much does the Flowmaster Ceramic Coated Shorty Header make in horsepower for the 04 GT?

[@latemodelrestoration]

+StormMartialArt Unfortunately, I don't know of the exact horsepower gains from the Flowmaster ceramic coated shorty headers. -Landan

[@StormMartialArt]

+Late Model Restoration Thanks. Excluding the BBK equal length, what would be the average Shorty Header HP gains on a New Edge Mustang? I read many different opinions, so it gets confusing. Any genuine information would be appreciated. Thank you.

[@eZaFJDUBB]

+StormMartialArt not that much really, it'll sound different but maybe like 20 whp

[@chukobrown]

***** what headers will fit a 90 Aod 5.0 ?

[@Tuka-007]

Great info on headers guys and about the shorty headers, what's the difference between equal length and unequal length shorty headers which would be better, or does it even matter?

[@jk2626261]

all the tubing for each cylinder are the same length with equal length shorties. These tend to make more torque lower on the power band. The unequal length have different length tubing for each cylinder and they make less torque than the equal length, but they make better top end power.

[@latemodelrestoration]

tukamoton1312 Great question! jk2626261 nailed the answer. You will see a little more torque and horsepower with the equal length headers.

[@NegativeNumbers427]

Even though this has already been answered I would like to throw in another piece of info. Exhaust flow works more like Pulses. Equal length headers would allow each pulse to get through the exit one at a time. Unequal length would have 2 or more pulses try to get through the exit at the same time, like a bottleneck effect.

[@JeffreyJimenez]

NegativeNumbers427 Thanks for the added tech!

[@rmz450racer]

Equal length shorties burn spark plug wires like no tomorrow even with wire sleeves.

[@brianmef71]

I can't believe this video is already 9 years old. 😲

[@eZaFJDUBB]

I have an 88 GT with BBK H pipe as well as Flowmaster catback. the shorty headers will fit without changing the H pipe?

[@modlist6129]

Yes

[@modlist6129]

+Modesto Escobedo I have bbk shorty headers with bbk H pipe and a magnaflow exhaust

[@iboost05]

what would be the best steering shaft brand to use? I'm having clearance issue and stock steering shaft hits headers

[@latemodelrestoration]

+iboost05 What headers are you using? -Landan

[@iboost05]

BBK long tube for 5speed . I believe 1 5/8. I'm also running a aje tubular kmember with solid motor mounts

[@302hobronco]

Where do the equal length shorties fall?? In between short and full length??

[@latemodelrestoration]

This would be correct, you could consider these the in-between option for the shorty and long tubes.

[@jarvisclark8195]

Sadly you don't deliver to Europe. :(

[@THUGLIFEhks]

Has anyone tried installing fake catalytic converters onto the BBK off-road H-pipe?

[@shroomhauler]

What color Is the car in the background?

[@jakew2350]

george vasques It might be bimini blue?

[@drums4life555]

What is the color of the mustang in the background?

[@latemodelrestoration]

Thanks for the question. That is Project Blue Collar and it's painted Chrysler B5 metallic. If you'd like to see the full build series on the car, check out the link below. -Landan Project Blue Collar Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLMti2eKQ3th-DvOku61S2HoLulvOkVucv&feature=shared

[@paulvelez6824]

2003 these good for a 2003 3.8 v6? (Longtube)

[@latemodelrestoration]

We do not offer longtube headers for 99-04 3.8 at this time, but we do carry shorty headers. Check the link below for more info: lmr.com/products/94-04-Mustang-Headers#9894

[@Rumeel12708]

I want some equal length shorties!!!! 👌🏻

[@KingJT80]

thats actually an in between. ima go long tube. might as well if im gonna do the whole exhaust over again anyways

[@FearSwaggy]

Lonngtubes sounds Raspier than shortys?

[@davejames2015]

Will short tube headers let me take my sparkplugs out without removing? My car i bought has long tubes and its a pain

[@latemodelrestoration]

Canadian Dave Yes, it is easier to change plugs with shorty headers. -Landan

[@Shitbird3249]

Just gimme some XXXX LONG headers that reach the rear wheels, thankyou.

[@marcodz1]

I have 1990 mustang foxbody 5.0 with auto trans AODE I keep looking but coming up that shortys won't fit my car cause it has an auto trans help

[@latemodelrestoration]

Shorty headers won't cause any clearance issues with your AODE trans. You are good to go on freeing up some horsepower with these headers. Some Long-Tube headers will have clearance issues.

[@dant8695]

BBK shorties will work fine. I had an AOD foxbody similar year and installed them in an apartment parking lot.

[@lldjslim]

Any header is better than the stock headers

[@ArtistFlipRock]

Hi, last year bought me a 2006 Ford Mustang convertible V6 4.0 pony package premium and since i am not familiar with performance upgrade parts i need to ask a good question that merits your professional answer. Can i put performance "Shorty Headers" with a set of universal "Patriot Exhaust H1050 SIDE EXHAUST CHROME PIPES plus "Patriot Exhaust - Side Pipe Hook-Up Kits on my Mustang? I really want to put those Side Hooker Pipes on my car that is for sure that is why im going with the Shorty Headers and also im planning to lower it with lower springs 2". Here is the link for all 3... Ford Mustang 05-10 4.0L V6 Stainless Exhaust Manifold Headers Performance Shorty www.ebay.com/itm/262348192625?euid=f57ce85c47084d2989b4efa081d2b722&cp=1 Patriot Exhaust H1050 SIDE EXHAUST CHROME www.ebay.com/itm/361206550657?euid=a342dd5f91ea497c8fb79acc9e79a4ae&cp=1&exe=13926&ext=35632&sojTags=exe=exe,ext=ext Patriot Exhaust - Side Pipe Hook-Up Kits www.ebay.com/itm/231838956658?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[@BruiserBori]

Will long tubes sound good on a 04 GT automatic or nah ?

[@latemodelrestoration]

Yes. 2-valves sound great with long tubes as long as the mufflers aren’t obnoxious! -Landan